By Maurice Dwayne Smith
Hollywood, CA (The Hollywood Times) 4/27/25 – The 25th Annual Beverly Hills “Silver” anniversary opened at the TCL Chinese Theatres from April 1-April 5 amidst premiere screenings, an opening night after party, amidst much fanfare as famous notables such as Ann Margaret, Beau Bridges and more were slated to appear at its prestigious red-carpet and celebrity laden extravaganza.
As California strained to flip the script on its recent terrifying fire nightmare disasters and return to some semblance of reality, the TCL Chinese 6 Theatres at Ovation Hollywood (6801 Hollywood Boulevard), hosted Beverly Hill’s 25th anniversary film festival amidst much anticipation and fanfare as the list of celebrities and world premieres were slated to erupt as enticing to the creative palate as 100 mph fires were on dry brush, but wielding excitement and joy in its wake instead on various screens and a star studded red-carpet——– Beverly Hills Film Festival® Opening Night After Party at The Beverly Hilton quenched thirsts and hunger; the filmmakers savored the food, drink and camaraderie amidst its posh atmosphere.
Two of my favorite films, among a cavalcade of films regarding legendary Scorcee’s incredible manipulation of music, Ann-Margaret, Beau Bridges, Michael Madsen’s American Badass: A Michael Madsen Retrospective— directed by Dominique Milano, featuring Quentin Tarantino, John Travolta, Daryl Hannah, Ron Perlman, Charlie Sheen, William Baldwin, Virginia Madsen–Chloe Kim, Tricia Helfer, Christine Handy, Laurel Marsden, Jesse Posey, were OverRuled, by Kate Brooks, and a tale about the late great actor, Rutger Haus, called, “ Like Tears in Rain”. I was privileged to interview Ms. Brooks and Rutger’s widow on the recarpet.
In Conclusion, the electricity from the 1st of April till its end and award party celebration event hosted by its partner The Beverly Hilton on Sunday April 5th, was filled with excitement, and a bit of a tear jerky’s end, as one knew that existing within that throng of hungry and talented filmmakers was a future Steven Spielberg and also a teary realization that one of Hollywood’s angels, Val Kilmer, couldn’t make it as he had passed away during the event. Rest in peace and God Speed, as you are now truly A SAINT.
